Our office is open to the public.  You may come in at any time during normal business hours to request a certificate.  

The Inyo County Recorder's office keeps a record of death certificates for all people who have died in Inyo County since 1900. 

How do I order a copy of a Death Certificate?

To protect the privacy of individuals, only certain people are authorized to receive a certified copy of a Death Certificate. An authorized certified copy of a death certificate can typically be used to obtain death benefits, claim insurance proceeds, notify social security and other legal purposes. The fee for each copy is $24.00. You can order an authorized certified copy of a death certificate, in the following ways:

  • In person. You can come into our office at 168 N. Edwards Street, Independence, CA 93526 during business hours. No appointment needed. 

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  • Through the mail. You can order a copy through the mail by following the steps outlined below.
  1. Download the application for an authorized certified copy of a Death Certificate
  2. Complete the form
  3. Have your signature notarized
  4. Include a check or money order for $24.00 per copy
  5. Mail the form to:
  • Inyo County Recorder
  • PO Drawer F
  • Independence, CA 93526


Important!  Your request form must have the the following specific disclaimer as a part of the acknowledgement "A notary public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document."  The disclaimer must be legible and in an enclosed box. Click here to view the new California acknowledgement form. 

                           

What if I am not eligible to receive an authorized copy?

If you are not eligible to receive an authorized copy of a death certificate, you can still apply for and receive a certified informational copy with the words "Informational, not a valid document to establish identity" printed on the front of the certificate. This document is primarily used for genealogy and cannot be used for identification purposes. The fee for each copy is $24.00. You can order an informational certified copy of a death certificate, in the following ways.

  • In person. You can come into our office at 168 N. Edwards Street, Independence, CA 93526 during business hours. No appointment needed. 
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    Online. You can order a copy online through VitalChek.

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  • Through the mail. You can order a copy through the mail by following the steps outlined below.
  1. Download the application for an INFORMATIONAL certified copy of a Death Certificate
  2. Complete the form
  3. Include a check or money order for $24.00 per copy
  4. Mail the form to:
  • Inyo County Recorder
  • PO Drawer F
  • Independence, CA 93526